Runleader Small Engine Hour Meter, Digital Tachometer, Maintenance Reminder, Battery Replaceable, User Shutdown, Use for ZTR Lawn Mower Tractor Generator Marine Outboard ATV (1)

I was a bit hesitant to purchase these tacho/hour/maintenance reminder meters. I felt there was too much functionality for how they are priced. However, I really got tired to taking a stab in the dark as to when maintenance was required for my small engines on my portable generator and power reel mower. Now that they are installed I absolutely would not give them up - even if you're just looking at the engine speed.Setup: I used the adhesive backed hook and loop mounting arrangement that was supplied with the units. I didn't feel like drilling and tapping two small holes for the meter so I took the easier route. I cleaned the back of the meter with a pre-soaked (no alcohol - just soapy grease cutter version) shop towel and attached the fabric with the battery access cutout. It's 3M adhesive on the hook and loop so it's not coming off anytime soon. The coin-cell battery is preinstalled but you have to unscrew the cover and remove the isolator (a piece of plastic) so the battery makes contact with the tabs on the circuit board. No different than replacing a coin battery for any other device except the packaged versions have a sticker you have to remove. Once it shows that it's on your ready to program.Programming: I didn't have to make any changes to the presets but don't assume you won't. It all depends on your engine and the instructions are pretty clear on how to cycle through the steps. I did play around with it a bit just so I don't have to pull out the instructions that I will eventually misplace or lose. But, take your time and you will be rewarded on the first try.Installation: I cleaned off a spot on my equipment and placed the other part of the hook and loop on an area where I could get to the unit without performing any acrobatics and unfolded the spark plug cable (you can use two methods for sensing the spark - I won't go into details here because it's clear in the instructions). I decided to use the "wrap around the spark plug cable method" because I didn't want to d**k around with the ignition coil. My method was to zip tie the meter cable to the housing part of the spark plug wire (the part that attaches to the plug) and then make 5 turns around the cable then zip tie the trailing end of the meter wire to the spark plug cable. Make sure your turns are tight around the spark plug cable and bunched together in one layer - take your time because making sure the induction lead (meter cable) is wound tightly is important. With a pair of diagonal cutters or very sharp scissors cutoff all but 2-3" of the trailing meter lead (just in case you have to redo it and need a little extra in the future.Operation: Nothing to it here. Once I started the engines the unit automatically started reading the speed in RPM - kinda nice to see when you haven't seen it before - it's the small things that excite me. I checked my instruction manual and the meter indicated what the manual stated - give or take a few RPMs but nothing major. For example, full speed on my generator engine is 3600 RPM. The meter was reading 3590 - 3610 RPMs. I consider that a success.Cleanup: I placed some zip tie bases in a couple of spots so the meter lead would stay clear from the hottest part of the engine. But, keep in mind it is an air cooled small engine (speaking only for my two) after all and they are built tightly with only a bit of space in order for the internal vanes to push air over and around the engine.In Closing: Nothing major to discuss here but keep in mind the following: 1. Take your time (it took me roughly 30 minutes for the first one and no more than 15 minutes for the second install), 2. If you know the characteristics of your engine program the meter prior to installing it, 3. If you can avoid it try to keep the actual meter away from the hottest parts of the engine, 4. Make sure your meter lead is tightly bunched and wound, in one layer, around the spark plug cable, 5. Start your engine and enjoy the view, and lastly, 6. Go enjoy a cold, frosty beverage - mine is 60% Simply Lemonade and 40% Gold Peak sweet tea - my version of an Arnold Palmer.

My TORO with a B&S engine wasn't picking up grass clippings like it should. I replaced the stock blade with an OEM high lift one and it helped but I still wasn't getting the even cut I wanted. I have fescue that I keep at 4 inches here in NC. I went to several sites and the answer I kept coming up with was that the RPM were set too low from the factory. The spec is 3250 + or - 150 . I started the mower up and it was running at 2800, so I adjusted the RPMs to 3300 which was very easy to do! What a difference increasing the RPMs by 500 made. My grass in even and the bag was FULL of clippings. About the meter, it worked, was easy to program and it was very reasonably priced.

Unit works as it should, but the instructions are innacurate. The manual said to put it in 1P2R mode, when I did that it said my Toro 22" Recycler push mower was running at 5,850 rpm. I changed it to 1P1R mode and it's reading correctly now, I had a buddy who's a small engine mechanic verify the RPM's against his more expensive unit, his read 25 RPM higher than this unit. I don't think the zip tie I used to secure this to the spark plug wire and will probably install a clamp instead.

I installed on a Pulsar GD400BN generator, I used the 1P1R firing pattern and wound the wire five loops around the spark plug cable.I set the service timer reminder at 50 hours and confirmed with my watch that the running time was working properly it showed .4 hours and my watch said 25 minutes I consider that very accurate.The RPMs were as follows: 3,260 on low idle, 3,370 high speed no load, with a 2,230 watt load the RPMs were 4,270. The generator user manual states 4600 RPMs is the maximum for this engine at full load which is 3,000 running Watts, I am comfortable with the readings I'm getting they may not be exact but they are very close to exact, later on I will purchase a Briggs & Stratton manual tachometer and I will verify if these numbers are right on the money.The directions are correct although at times a bit vague and the font is tiny and it was very difficult for me to be able to read it.I am very pleased with the device, the fact that it came with a battery that is replaceable and the fact that I can turn off the display when I'm not using it, I recommend it.

Nice unit

great tach, easy to use

So while waiting for this to arrive in the mail I found a video on YouTube where a guy shows you how to add an alligator clip to the end of the wire making it easier to disconnect and connect from one engine to another. I bought this to use when tuning my two-stroke equipment, chainsaws weed eater etc. I added the clip immediately when I received this and so far using it to tune my Stihl chainsaw it works great. Before my spark plug was a little white indicating it was running lean I used this tac to fine-tune the high and low jets and ran the saw today, now I'm getting a good color on my plug indicating the saw is running at better temps.Little update, this thing seems to have a difficult time getting a good reading on high RPM measurements. A more expensive unit would probably be better.